Sunday was different. It was the first time that even the most staunch of Daniel Farke’s supporters began to turn, in utter disbelief at the Leeds United shambles that was unfolding before them.
Beforehand, Farke had sympathy. Adam Underwood is partly to blame for Leeds’ poor form, with the transfer team unable to bring in the attackers that Farke had requested. Harry Wilson is playing well.
Fans were also sympathetic with Farke following the summer window, in which the German’s position had been questioned because of his Norwich form. But the two situations at Leeds and Norwich are different.
A big part of the fanbase wanted the 49ers to retain Farke before Forest. Now, the feeling is that change is required. Reports ahead of the game said Forest was the first of five games Farke had to save his job.
But what was startling after the game was something Farke said to reporters. It showed supporters that Farke does not believe he has any part to play in Leeds’ form, that it is completely out of his hands.
Daniel Farke ahead of Nottingham Forest v Leeds United - Premier League
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Daniel Farke makes eye-opening post-match Leeds comment
Leeds had actually taken the lead through Lukas Nmecha but the way Forest had dominated chances throughout the first half, it felt like a Forest win was inevitable. Eventually, Morgan Gibbs-White scored.
Forest went 2-1 ahead and aside from a Dan James effort, it was inevitable. A late penalty secured the win for Forest. Speaking afterwards, Farke deflected blame. But it was four words that caught the gaffer’s eye.
Having described the Premier League as “the best league in the world”, and blaming Jarred Gillet for the foul given against Anton Stach before the second goal, Farke then said, worryingly, “What can I do?”.
Daniel Farke arrives at Elland Road for a Championship clash between Leeds United and Burnley
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It turns out, Daniel, you can do a lot. Team selection is one question mark, with Brenden Aaronson and Jaka Bijol retaining their spots in the side despite poor performances in the 3-0 hammering at Brighton.
Then, there are substitutions. Farke waited until the 74th minute to make changes, after Dyche had made a triple change beforehand. Dyche’s subs worked, putting Forest into the lead with Farke proving reactive.
That is not the first time, either, that Farke has been reactive instead of proactive. Leaving Willy Gnonto at home bemused supporters and an unwillingness to try something new, is the definition of madness.
He might be claiming he has little part to play in this run of form. It’s the quality of the league, it’s the referee and even, blaming the defence. But actually, Farke is the orchestrator of Leeds’ poor run of form.